Ultimate UK Trailer Maintenance Guide: Keep Your Trailer Safe, Legal and Ready to Tow

Good trailer maintenance is not just about keeping things tidy. It protects your load, your tow vehicle and everyone else on the road. A well maintained trailer tows smoothly, brakes evenly and passes roadside checks with confidence. A neglected trailer can develop worn bearings, weak brakes or cracked tyres that fail without warning.

This guide explains how to look after your trailer step by step so it stays safe, legal and reliable all year round. It is written for UK drivers and covers everything from basic checks at home to full trailer servicing.

Written with input from the GT Towing workshop team, an NTTA Trusted Workshop with decades of experience in trailer servicing and repairs.

Jump to section

• Why regular trailer maintenance matters
• Quick checks before every journey
• How often should you service a trailer
• Tyres, wheels and wheel nuts
• Trailer wheel bearings
• Trailer brakes and breakaway systems
• Coupling, jockey wheel and nose weight
• Suspension, chassis and body
• Lights, plugs and trailer electrics
• Storage and winter trailer maintenance
• Printable trailer maintenance checklist
• Trailer maintenance FAQs
• Trailer servicing at GT Towing

Why regular trailer maintenance matters

Unlike cars, most light trailers in the UK do not have an MOT. That means the responsibility for safety falls entirely on the owner. The law still requires that any trailer used on the road is in a safe, roadworthy condition.

Regular maintenance helps you to:

• Spot worn or damaged parts before they fail on a journey
• Prevent uneven tyre wear and expensive breakdowns
• Keep braking performance balanced and predictable
• Stay compliant with UK towing regulations and insurance terms
• Protect the value of your Ifor Williams or other quality trailer

If you tow for work, poor maintenance can also lead to lost jobs, recovery costs and fines. Investing a little time in checks and an annual service is far cheaper than dealing with a roadside failure.

Quick trailer checks before every journey

Spend a few minutes on a walk around check before you tow. It quickly becomes routine and is one of the best ways to avoid problems.

• Tyres Check pressures, tread depth and sidewalls for cuts, bulges or cracking.
• Wheel nuts Confirm all nuts are tight and any locking nuts are secure.
• Lights Test indicators, brake lights, tail lights, fog light and reverse light if fitted.
• Breakaway cable or secondary coupling Attach it to a dedicated point on the tow vehicle, not to the towball neck.
• Coupling head Check the handle is fully down, the safety catch is engaged and the green or red indicator shows locked where fitted.
• Load security Make sure ramps, straps, jockey wheel and any props are stowed correctly.
• Number plate Correct registration and clearly visible.

These checks take only a few minutes but greatly reduce the risk of problems once you are on the move.

Book a professional trailer safety check

How often should you service a trailer

The right interval depends on mileage and use, but as a general rule:

• Commercial or high mileage trailers Service at least every 6 months or 6,000 miles.
• General use leisure trailers Service every 12 months, even if mileage is low.
• Stored trailers Have a full service before you bring them back into regular use.

A proper trailer service will usually include brake adjustment, hub inspection, bearing checks or replacement, torque settings, lighting checks and a full chassis inspection. At GT Towing, customers can also take advantage of an NTTA Free Safety Check to highlight any issues that need attention.

See trailer servicing options

Trailer tyres, wheels and wheel nuts

Trailer tyres work hard. They often carry high loads for their size and may sit in one place for long periods which encourages flat spots and cracking.

Tyre checks

• Pressure Set to the figure on the trailer plate or tyre sidewall. Under inflated tyres overheat and wear quickly.
• Tread depth Minimum legal depth is 1.6 mm across the central three quarters of the tread, but replacing earlier is wise.
• Age Many manufacturers recommend replacing tyres that are more than six years old, even if tread still looks good.
• Sidewalls Look for cracking, bulges or visible cords. Replace if you see any of these.
• Load and speed rating Check that each tyre has a suitable rating for the trailer weight and intended speed.

Wheels and nuts

• Inspect steel wheels for rust around stud holes and rim edges.
• Check alloy wheels for cracks and impact damage.
• Torque wheel nuts to the correct setting after any wheel removal.
• Recheck nut torque after the first journey following a tyre or hub change.

Trailer wheel bearings

Healthy wheel bearings are vital. They support the trailer weight and allow the wheels to spin freely. Worn or dry bearings can overheat, seize and cause wheel loss.

Signs your trailer bearings need attention

• Growling or rumbling noise from a hub while towing.
• Excessive play when you rock the wheel top to bottom.
• Hub feels hot to the touch compared with the others after a run.
• Grease leaking past seals or visible metal particles in old grease.

How long do trailer bearings last

There is no fixed mileage. Light use trailers with regular servicing can run for many years. Trailers that launch boats, carry heavy loads or sit outside with little movement tend to suffer earlier.

A good rule is to have bearings inspected at every service and repacked or replaced when there are any signs of wear, noise or heat. Boat trailers and commercial trailers often need more frequent attention.

Arrange a bearing inspection

Trailer brakes and breakaway systems

Braked trailers use an overrun system. When the tow vehicle slows, the trailer pushes against a sliding section in the coupling which operates the brake linkage. This system relies on several parts working correctly.

Checks for braked trailers

• Handbrake lever Should move smoothly and hold the trailer firmly on a slope.
• Brake rods and cables Look for corrosion, frayed strands, broken outer sheaths or seized pulleys.
• Drums and shoes Need periodic inspection for wear, contamination and correct adjustment.
• Breakaway cable Must be attached correctly, with no broken wires or crushed sections.

Symptoms of brake problems

• Trailer snatching or surging when braking.
• Hitch movement feels rough rather than smooth.
• Brakes overheating, burning smell or smoke from drums.
• Trailer pulling to one side under braking.

Brake servicing includes inspection or replacement of shoes, cleaning and lubricating moving parts, checking cables, adjustment and a road test. It is best carried out by an experienced trailer technician.

Book trailer brake servicing

Coupling, jockey wheel and nose weight

Your coupling is the critical link between tow vehicle and trailer. It must lock securely and move freely through its suspension travel.

Coupling checks

• Confirm the head is rated for the trailer weight and the towball size.
• Inspect the handle, latch and visible indicators for smooth movement.
• Look for cracks, bent components or movement between the head and drawbar.
• Check rubber gaiters for splits that can allow dirt into sliding mechanisms.

Jockey wheel and nose weight

• Spin the jockey wheel to check for wobble or rough bearings.
• Ensure the clamp holds the wheel firmly when raised and lowered.
• Set nose weight within the limit for your tow vehicle and trailer. Many owners aim for around 7 to 10 percent of the trailer gross weight unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.

If hitch operation feels harsh or the trailer pitches and snatches, the coupling damper may be worn. GT Towing has a video guide and workshop service for coupling damper checks and replacements.

Ask GT Towing about coupling checks

Suspension, chassis and body

Suspension and chassis components take the strain of every journey. Wear or rust here can lead to poor handling or structural failure.

Suspension checks

• Look at torsion axles or leaf springs for corrosion, cracked leaves or sagging.
• Check that both sides of the trailer sit level when unloaded.
• Listen for clunks when moving off or over bumps.

Chassis and body

• Inspect chassis rails and cross members for rust, dents or cracks.
• Check floor panels, especially plywood, for softness or delamination.
• Look at drop sides, hinges and latches and make sure everything closes securely.

Professional servicing includes a full chassis inspection on a lift which often reveals issues that are difficult to spot at ground level.

Trailer lights, plugs and electrics

Reliable lighting is essential. Faulty lights are one of the most common reasons trailers are stopped at the roadside.

Plugs and sockets

• Inspect 7 pin, 8 pin or 13 pin plugs for bent pins, corrosion and cracked housings.
• Clean any green corrosion with an appropriate contact cleaner and a soft brush.
• Check that cable grommets are intact so water cannot wick into the wiring.

For diagrams and deeper guidance, see the GT Towing guide to trailer plug and socket wiring.

Lights and wiring

• Confirm all lamp lenses are clean and securely fixed.
• Replace any faded, cracked or water filled units.
• Route wiring so it is supported and protected from stones and sharp edges.

Shop trailer plugs and sockets Shop trailer lighting

Storage and winter trailer maintenance

Many trailers spend long periods parked between jobs or seasons. A little preparation helps them survive damp British winters without problems.

• Store on firm ground so tyres are not sitting in mud or standing water.
• If possible, move the trailer a short distance every few weeks to avoid flat spots.
• Wash road salt from chassis and brakes after winter trips.
• Lightly lubricate exposed metal parts where the manufacturer allows it.
• Disconnect the plug and protect it from the weather.

For trailers that have been stood for many months, a service and brake check before the next long journey is strongly recommended.

Printable trailer maintenance checklist

Use this checklist as a quick reminder of what to inspect. You can print it and keep it with your trailer documents.

• Tyres: pressure, tread, age, sidewalls.
• Wheels and nuts: condition and torque.
• Bearings: noise, play, temperature.
• Brakes: handbrake, cables, drums and overrun hitch.
• Breakaway cable or secondary coupling: routed correctly and undamaged.
• Coupling head: correct size, locks securely, smooth operation.
• Jockey wheel: wind and clamp, wheel condition.
• Suspension: trailer sits level, no cracks or heavy rust.
• Chassis and floor: no soft spots, cracks or loose panels.
• Lights and electrics: all functions working, plugs and sockets clean.
• Number plate: correct and visible.

Book full trailer servicing with GT Towing

Trailer maintenance FAQs

Do trailers need an MOT in the UK

Most light trailers up to 3,500 kg gross weight do not require an MOT, but they must still be roadworthy. Larger commercial trailers have their own testing rules. Even without an MOT, police and DVSA can inspect trailers at the roadside and issue penalties if they are unsafe.

How often should I service my trailer

For general leisure use, aim for a full service once a year. If you tow for work, cover high mileage or use boat trailers in salt water, more frequent servicing is sensible.

Can I maintain my trailer myself

Basic checks such as tyre condition, lights, number plates and visible damage are straightforward for most owners. Brake adjustment, bearing replacement and structural repairs should be carried out by a qualified trailer technician.

How do I know if my trailer bearings are worn

Listen for rumbling from the hubs while towing and feel each wheel carefully after a run. Any hub that feels significantly hotter than the others or shows excessive play should be inspected as soon as possible.

What is included in a professional trailer service

A typical service includes checks and adjustment for brakes, inspection and lubrication or replacement of bearings, torque settings, chassis and suspension inspection, lighting and electrical checks and a road test. GT Towing can also advise on upgrades and repairs that improve safety and usability.

Trailer servicing and repairs at GT Towing

GT Towing is an NTTA Trusted Workshop based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Our technicians service and repair a wide range of trailers every week, from small utility trailers to Ifor Williams horseboxes and commercial plant trailers.

• NTTA approved trailer workshop.
• Servicing for braked and unbraked trailers.
• Repairs and parts for couplings, brakes, axles and lighting.
• Free NTTA trailer safety checks available.

If you would like expert eyes on your trailer, or prefer a professional to handle your annual servicing, we are here to help.

Book trailer servicing Contact GT Towing

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